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Pro Football Focus came out with a very interesting piece on Thursday — as it identified the five most underrated players in each conference.
Using a grades-based and statistical-laden system, it came up with a ranking system featuring three players from the SEC West, and two from the SEC East.
Alabama defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson registered as the No. 1 player within the piece. While Tomlinson isn’t the big-name individual amongst Alabama’s star-studded defense, he’s been very efficient and effective as it pertains to stopping the run.
On the year, he’s registered 25 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, one forced fumble, and 2.0 sacks.
Arkansas signal-caller Austin Allen and receiver Jared Cornelius registers at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Allen’s been very good — throwing for 2,048 yards and 18 touchdowns. He’s completing passes at a 62.2-percent clip, and has undoubtedly cemented himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the conference. Allen is completing 76.2-percent of his passes when not pressured — which ranks him third nationally in this category.
Cornelius leads the Razorbacks in receiving yards (465) and yards-per-catch average (19.4). He’s also caught four touchdowns. Over the course of the past two years, Cornelius has dropped only two passes.
Young Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith registers at No. 4. The sophomore is an active, athletic player. He’s fast enough to cover smaller players in space, and is physical enough to help in run support.
Mizzou DB Aairon Penton is one of the most underrated defensive backs in the entire country. He’s got the highest coverage grade of any corner in the SEC — which includes the likes of Jalen Tabor, Marlon Humphrey, and Cam Sutton.
Of the 41 pass-attempts thrown his way, only 17 have been completed. Penton has accrued 25 tackles, three interceptions and eight pass-breakups.
